The most formidable Czech military defensive tool — the Vera surveillance radar, which is the only system that can detect the "invisible" U.S. Stealth bomber — is now owned by Americans.

U.S. surveillance and flight tracking developer Rannoch Corporation has taken over ERA, the Pardubice-based company that developed Vera.

The deal took place in late October, but the daily Mladá fronta Dnes reported it Nov. 11.

"The ERA facilities are truly world-class," said Rannoch President Dave Ellison in an official statement. "We realize the potential of the combined teams to offer the most comprehensive and technically advanced solutions."

Defense Ministry representatives and east Bohemian regional officials were unaware of the development.

ERA Vice Chairman Milan Bernard confirmed the transaction, adding that ERA's management first wanted to notify the company's shareholders. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Bernard said that they would be announced later this month.

Defense Ministry spokesman Andrej Čírtek said the takeover was "a strictly private matter," and the government would not interfere in it.

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